Mass. Gen. L. ch. 17, §2 (A), Department of Public Health – Powers of
Commissioner upon Declaration of Emergency, 2002
TITLE II. EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS OF THE
GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 17. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 17: Section 2A Powers of commissioner upon declaration of emergency
Section 2A. Upon declaration by the governor that an emergency exists which is
detrimental to the public health, the commissioner may, with the approval of the governor
and the public health council, during such period of emergency, take such action and
incur such liabilities as he may deem necessary to assure the maintenance of public health
and the prevention of disease.
The commissioner, with the approval of the public health council, may establish
procedures to be followed during such emergency to insure the continuation of essential
public health services and the enforcement of the same.
Upon declaration by the governor that such emergency has terminated, all powers granted
to and exercised by the commissioner under this section shall terminate.